There will be many parts to remove before accessing the Alienware motherboard.
Motherboard removal from any laptop is a more complex process than most other computer breakdowns and repairs, and performing this on your Alienware 51 M766 laptop will take focus and a number of steps. A number of components will have to be identified and taken out to access the motherboard, but only a Phillips head screwdriver is required. No previous computer repair or motherboard knowledge is required for the procedure, but you will want to proceed cautiously to prevent component damage.
Instructions
1. Power down the Alienware 51 M766 laptop. Disconnect the power adapter from the back of the computer, then flip the unit over and locate the horizontal battery at the top of the unit's bottom. Right below this is the battery release. Slide it to pop out the battery.
2. Locate the hard drive and memory compartments at the bottom of the laptop's underside. The memory compartment is on the bottom center, while the hard drive compartment is on the right-center. Each has two screws that must be removed using a Phillips head screwdriver.
3. Remove the plastic compartment covers. Pop out the two RAM modules with your fingers. Lift the right side of the hard drive up to remove it from the motherboard beneath.
4. Notice the now visible wireless card, and the black and gray antenna cables. Disconnect both these antenna cables from their connectors by flipping the connectors into the upright, "unlocked" position and then pulling out the cables.
5. Remove the two wireless card screws with your Phillips head screwdriver to free the card from the motherboard, then pull out the wireless card.
6. Remove all the remaining, visible screws that are on the bottom of the Alienware 51 M766 laptop using your screwdriver. Place these in a plastic bag or similar container for safekeeping, because you will need them for reassembly.
7. Flip the Alienware 51 M766 laptop back over. Pull out the now-loose keyboard. You will see the keyboard cable running from the bottom of the keyboard to the motherboard, where it meets a connector. Flip the connector into the upright position, disconnect the cable, then pull out the keyboard.
8. Locate the video cable connector that is just under the left display hinge of the display. Disconnect this from the motherboard.
9. Remove the two screws below the monitor display hinges. Then, lift up and remove the screen assembly.
10. Remove the top cover of the Alienware laptop now that the keyboard and screen assembly are gone. The cover will be loose, so just set it aside.
11. Notice that the motherboard is now completely exposed. Locate the one large screw at the bottom-right of the motherboard. This is the only one that holds it in place. Remove it.
12. Pull out the motherboard gently. As you do so, you will notice two more cables running from the bottom of its base. Disconnect these by gently pulling them out of their connectors. Remove the Alienware's motherboard altogether.
Tags: Alienware M766, M766 laptop, Alienware M766 laptop, from motherboard, hard drive